What NOT to Eat When Pregnant

There are a few foods to avoid during pregnancy as they carry the risk of causing spontaneous miscarriage or birth defects, these include:-

Liver and Liver products
These contain vitamin A in the form of retinal, which is linked to birth defects. Don't take supplements containing vitamin A unless advised by your GP.

Foods containing unpasterusied milk.
These contain high levels of listeria which can cause miscarriage and stillbirth. Ready-cooked meals and pies can also contain listeria unless properly reheated.

Raw egg products
Such as homemade mayonnaise (shop-bought is fine), may contain salmonella.

Raw meat and unpastuerised milk.
Can contain toxoplasma gondii that causes blindness. It's also found in cat litter and soil. Wash fruit and veg and avoid handling litter trays.

Peanuts and othar nuts
These are best avoided by women with a family history of allergies.

Fish high in Mercury
Avoid shark, marlin and  swordfish; eat no more than 140g of cooked tuna per week.